Defoe slides on his knees after scoring the second goal in Bournemouth's win over BrightonReuters

Defoe has morphed from teenage talent to 34-year-old arch-poacher while Howe has moved into management in the 16 years in between - but the Bournemouth boss still finds himself stunned by the striker's eye for goal.

'He's one of the best finishers I've ever seen,' said Howe. 'When I was playing with him I couldn't believe how good he was, when we first started to introduce him into the team.